Mr. Martin’s party, Fianna Fáil, emerged as the largest in the general election held in late November. Following weeks of coalition negotiations, Fianna Fáil has agreed to partner again with Fine Gael, led by outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris. The coalition falls just short of a majority in the Dáil but has secured the support of several Independent TDs for the five-year term after protracted discussions.

The Dáil will meet at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, during which Mr. Martin is expected to be officially nominated as Taoiseach. Sinn Féin, the largest opposition party, will nominate its leader, Mary Lou McDonald, but the agreement reached in the coalition talks strongly indicates that Mr. Martin will secure the position.

If confirmed, Mr. Martin will proceed to Áras an Uachtaráin, the President’s official residence, where President Michael D. Higgins will sign his warrant of appointment and present him with the Seal of the Taoiseach around 2 p.m. That evening, the new Taoiseach will appoint members of the incoming government.

The composition of the new Cabinet is highly anticipated, with adjustments expected as certain ministries shift between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Fianna Fáil will hold most Cabinet roles, while Independent TDs will receive two “super junior” ministries with seats at the Cabinet table.

The coalition has already faced challenges, including controversies surrounding the involvement of Independent TD Michael Lowry, a key negotiator for the Regional Independents Group. Mr. Lowry, previously described in a tribunal as “profoundly corrupt,” has denied any wrongdoing related to ongoing Garda investigations into tribunal findings.

Some Independent TDs supporting the coalition have sought to retain Dáil speaking time in opposition technical groups. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, re-elected as an Independent TD for Wexford and appointed speaker in December, has indicated that this will be allowed, based on legal advice she received.

Opposition parties, including Sinn Féin, Labour, and the Social Democrats, have challenged this arrangement, filing a submission that disputes Ms. Murphy’s position. While she considers their objections, she will allow government-supporting Independents to speak from opposition benches temporarily.

Mr. Martin, aged 64, previously served as Taoiseach in a coalition with Fine Gael and the Green Party. That government introduced a rotating Taoiseach mechanism, allowing the top office to alternate between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael leaders. A similar arrangement will be implemented, with Mr. Martin serving three years and Fine Gael taking the remaining two, reflecting Fianna Fáil’s 10-seat lead.

This marks a continuation of the historic partnership formed in 2020, which bridged nearly a century of division between the two parties stemming from their opposing roles in the Irish Civil War.

Hailing from Cork, Mr. Martin cites the introduction of Ireland’s workplace smoking ban in 2004, during his tenure as health minister, as one of his proudest achievements. The son of an international boxer, he has also held Cabinet posts for enterprise, foreign affairs, defense, and education and has led Fianna Fáil since 2011.

Outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris will transition to the role of Tánaiste under the new arrangement.